Method and apparatus for protecting a roof

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are provided for protecting a roof against inclement weather, e.g., a hurricane. In one example, the apparatus includes a panel system including a plurality of overlapping panels, a tie down system and an anchoring system. The apparatus may also include a rope guide that is designed to facilitate guiding of a tie down rope and prevent damage to gutters associated with the roof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 60/798,307, filed May 8, 2006, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for protecting a roof, e.g., shingles, during inclement weather, e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, rain, wind, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of protective nets is generally known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,184 discloses an apparatus for strengthening a building structure against hurricanes and wind storms. In this system, a net assembly is secured to the roof using a complicated set of cables. This system does not deal specifically with the protection of the roofs shingles, and also does not address how to accommodate for different roof sizes and shapes, in a simple and cost efficient manner. Further, this system has no provision for dealing with securing the net in a way that prevents damage to and interfaces with a gutter system provided to the roof's eave or edge.

With the increase of hurricanes and other destructive types of weather in the past several years, a need has developed in the art to provide a protective system that addresses the above deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates to a method and system for protecting a roof and preferably its associated shingles.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a simple, adjustable protective system for accommodating for roofs having different sizes and shapes.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a rope guide that interfaces with an existing gutter so as to facilitate the securing of a protective cover to the roof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a panel system including a plurality of panels that are width and/or length adjustable. The panels may be made of a commercially available and convenient material, such as construction fabric.

According to one example of the present invention, there is provided a protective cover for a roof, comprising at least first and second adjacent panels of protective web material, said first and second panels having a predetermined width that is the same for all panels; each said panel including a main body having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being provided in a plurality of rows and columns; the first panel and the second panel being adapted to define a combined panel width/length that is variable in dependence on overlap between adjacent sides of the first and second panels; whereby at least a portion of a first of said columns/rows of said apertures of the first panel is configured to align with at least a portion of either a first or a second column/row of said apertures of the second panel to thereby define first and second discrete values of the combined panel width/length.

According to one example of the present invention, there is provided a roof/shingle protection system comprising a panel system, said panel system including a plurality of panels each including a plurality of apertures that are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows, wherein adjacent ones of the panels are arranged in overlapping relation and a plurality of securing members are provided to affix said adjacent panels; a tie down system, said tie down system including a tie down rope for each set of aligned securing members, each said tie down rope being engagable with each said set of aligned securing members; and an anchor system operatively associated with the tie down system to secure each said tie down rope.

According to one example of the present invention, there is provided a method for applying a protective cover to a roof, comprising applying a first panel to the roof, said first panel including a plurality of apertures uniformly positioned on the first panel; applying a second panel to the roof, adjacent to and in overlapping relation with the first panel, said second panel having a plurality of apertures uniformly positioned on the second first panel; and adjusting the overlap between the first and second panels based on the specific architecture of the roof.

According to one example of the present invention, there is provided protective cover for a roof, comprising a panel of protective web material, said panel having a predetermined width; said panel including a main body having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being uniformly distributed in a plurality of rows and columns, wherein the web material comprises construction fabric.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments of this invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roof protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a plurality of panels according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a plurality of panels according to another embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 3 is a detail view of a single loop and through hole prior to engagement thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two adjacent panels that are interengaged in an overlapping manner, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a panel system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a belt or strip including a plurality of securing members according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a storage unit for a roof protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a rope guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a rope guide according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a roof protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a detail view of the engagement between a tie down belt and a footer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a detail view of the engagement between a tie down rope and belt according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a detail view of one example of how to secure a panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a detail view of one example of how to secure a panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a roof protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a roof protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate roof protection systems according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building 5 having a roof 10. The building 5 is typically laid on a foundation that may include a footer 15. A roof protection system 20 generally includes a panel system 25, a tie down system 30, and an anchoring system 35, described in more detail below. Panel system 25 includes a plurality of individual panels 45 that together form a protective layer over the roof, in particular the shingles on the roof. System may also include a rope guide 40 for guiding a tie down rope 42 past the eave 50 of the roof, which is typically where a gutter system 55 of the roof is located. Rope guide 40 is also more fully described below.

Panel System

Each panel 45 in panel system 25 is preferably made of a protective web material, e.g., construction fabric. One example of construction fabric that is suitable is Geotixtile™, a commercial product available from Beltech. Construction fabric is desirable because it is readily available, lightweight, low cost, durable, waterproof and/or rain and/or wind resistant.

Construction fabric is also desirable since it comes in sheet form, which can be helpful in terms of protecting the shingles against wind damage. In particular, construction fabric does not allow the wind access to the edges of the shingles, so as to best ensure against removal of the shingles and/or the penetration of the wind and/or rain to the layers of the roof below the shingles. In one embodiment, the construction fabric may be provided with one or more vent holes to allow for the escape of any wind that is trapped between the panel and the roof/shingles. The vents may be in the form of slits or apertures, either uniformly or randomly positioned on the panels.

Of course, other materials are possible as well, such as netting. If netting is used, it is preferred that the holes in the net will be selected so as to protect the shingles from wind damage. For example, the netting will form a grid with each aperture (e.g., hole, rectangle, etc.) in the grid having an area of less than about 25 cm², but preferably less than 10 cm². Of course, the area can be more or less, depending on application. Netting is advantageous from the standpoint that it does not obscure the color of the roof shingles. Netting may be virtually invisible such that it need not be removed between uses, i.e., it can be permanently affixed to the roof.

Each panel 45 preferably has a uniform size. For example, each panel has a width that is approximately 12 feet wide (3.66 m), although other widths are possible, e.g., 10′, 8′, 4′, etc. Moreover, the panels can be sold in a plurality of standard sizes, i.e., a stock of panels, which will generally meet most if not all fitting requirements for a roof of any given shape, size or pitch. If the panel is sold in rolls, the length can be determined at the point of distribution. Otherwise, the length of the panels can also be set at a predetermined value or values, e.g., 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a pair of individual panels 60, 65 laid adjacent one another. Each panel includes a plurality of apertures 70 in the form of slits, for example. The slits can be reinforced, e.g., ultrasonically welded or sewn like buttonholes on a shirt. The slits are uniformly spaced and distributed, and may be oriented such that the longitudinal axis is along either the length L or width W of the panel. For example, for a 12′ wide panel, each row includes 3-10 apertures. There can be more or less apertures, depending on application. In this example, there are five slits, each spaced 2′ apart a distance (W/6), with the first and last slits also being spaced a distance (W/6) that is 2′ from the respective edge. The apertures are provided to allow adjacent panels to be aligned with one another and to facilitate securing one panel to the other. Also, the apertures may also serve the function of venting, as described above.

While the panels are uniform in size and the slits are uniform in spacing, panels can be assembled in a manner to allow custom fitting of all roof structures. In particular, the panels are arranged in at least partial overlapping manner when being applied to a roof structure. The panels are arranged such that one or more slits in a column 75 of panel 60 is aligned with one or more slits of a column 80 of panel 65. As such, the combined width of the adjacent panels can be set to match the particular roof structure at hand. Of course, the slits from adjacent rows can be aligned so as to tailor the length of the panels in the lengthwise direction. In addition, the panels can be offset from one another along the length or width.

FIG. 4 shows panels 60, 65 in overlapping orientation, after the respective columns of slits have been aligned. In this example, panel 65 is under panel 60, but the positions can be reversed. Once the desired slits have been aligned, panels 60, 65 are secured to one another using a securing member 85. In one example, securing member 85 includes a loop of material (e.g., fabric or nylon) that is threaded through the aligned slits. Once securing members 85 have been threaded through the aligned slits, a tie down rope 86 is threaded therethrough. The tie down rope 86 preferably extends in the direction that is up and down the roof, i.e., over the eave or gutter system, although the tie down rope 86 can also extend horizontally across the roof. FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing a securing member that has been threaded through or otherwise provided to one panel, just before it is threaded through the aperture 70 in another panel.

As an alternative to the loop material, the adjacent panels can simply be secured to one another, e.g., woven, clipped or sewn. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, each panel 90, 95 may be provided with two or more apertures 100 instead of just a single aperture. In this example, the appropriate row/column of the adjacent panels is positioned in overlapping relation such that each pair of apertures in one row/column aligns with the respective apertures in the adjacent panel. Once aligned, any sort of loop (e.g., string) or clip can be threaded through both apertures, and still leave room for threading of the tie down rope. Preferably, the clip or loop maintains the panels fixed relative to one another and also includes a guide through which a tie down rope may be threaded.

In this system, the loops must be anchored to the first or second panels to prevent the loops from simply being pulled through the slits. This can be done in several ways. For example, each panel may be provided with a plurality of securing members 85 (e.g., loops). One loop is sewn or otherwise provided adjacent each slit, as shown in the panels of FIG. 5. Several of the loops may simply go unused. Alternatively, each loop can be provided on an individual base that is more rigid or simply sized such that it cannot be pulled through the aperture(s).

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a relatively narrow strip of material 105, is provided with a single row of loops 85 that are spaced at a distance that matches the spacing of the apertures. This strip of material can be sold in roll form and simply be cut to the appropriate length of overlap been adjacent panels. The loops are preferably made of compliant material that allow them to compress to a generally flat condition. The strip of material may also be a belt or a rope. In either case, the belt or rope is positioned below both adjacent panels such that the panels will be sandwiched between the tie down rope 86 and the belt or rope of material having the loops 85. The belt or rope of material links all of the loops 85 so that the loops cannot be drawn through the aligned slits 70.

In practice, the panels will be installed such that one panel is first laid, e.g., to cover a first end of the roof structure. The second and subsequent panels are laid adjacent the first panel such that the column of slits along the edge of one panel is aligned with the column of slits along the edge of the second panel. This maximizes coverage. This will continue until the opposite end of the roof is reached, whereupon the degree of overlap may be changed depending on the width of the roof that has not yet been covered. Of course, the degree of overlap of any two panels may be selected to most effectively compensate for the particular shape of the roof, chimneys, etc. For example, a 3×3 grid of apertures of one panel may overlap with a 3×3 grid of a second panel.

While the first panel can be positioned on either one of the ends of the roof, it is also contemplated that the first panel can be laid in the middle of the roof, and the subsequent panels can be placed adjacent each side of the first panel until the respective ends of the roof are covered.

It is also contemplated that each panel may be stored in rolled form on the roof until such time as the panels are needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A the apex or eave of the roof may be provided with a storage unit 400, e.g., a canister, that is mechanized to roll and store each panel, like a window shade. If positioned at the apex, the storage unit would preferably include two such panel rolls, one for each direction, although a single roll can be used to roll and store two webs on opposite sides of the apex, as shown in FIG. 6A. When inclement weather approaches, the panels can be unrolled and pulled over the roof for protection.

Rope Guide

FIG. 7 is a schematic, part cross sectional view of a rope guide 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Rope guide 40 includes a first portion 110 that is secured to and/or engaged with the roof, e.g., using nails or screws 115 that are fastened to the roof truss 120 adjacent the eave where the gutter system is located. Alternatively, the first portion may simply rest on the roof, or it could be eliminated all together. Rope guide 40 includes a second portion 125 that is bent at an angle relative to the first end. The angle is about 10°-50°, although it can be more or less, depending on application.

Rope guide 40 can be made of a material that allows bending, e.g., aluminum, plastic, etc., so that any angle (due to roof pitch) can be accommodated. The second portion 125 extends through a hole 130 provided in the gutter. The gutter hole 130 can be made by cutting, drilling, etc. Preferably, the second portion 125 includes a threaded portion 135 that extends both on the inside and the outside of the gutter 55, such that a pair of locking nuts 140, 145 (inside and outside the gutter) can secure the rope guide 40 in place.

The tie down rope 86 is guided along the rope guide 40, though the gutter hole 130. This helps to avoid damage to the gutter and the eave.

The second portion 125 of the rope guide 40 is preferably in cylindrical form, or in any other form that prevents water from the top of the gutter 55 from being channeled through the rope guide 40. In this manner, the rope guide 40 need not be removed as is does not affect operation of the gutter. The first portion 110 of the rope guide 40 can be open ended to facilitate alignment and threading of the rope 86.

A plastic or rubber grommet (a disc with a circumferential groove that receives the edge of the gutter hole) may be provided to the aperture provided in the gutter when the rope guide is not in use, assuming the rope guide is removed. In this embodiment, the grommet is a generally solid member to serve as a plug in order that water collected it the gutter does not exit through the hole in the gutter.

In another embodiment, a hollow grommet 200 (FIG. 7A) can replace the rope guide 40. In this example, the grommet 200 would be affixed to the gutter aperture (e.g., via circumferential groove 205) and would include a hole 210 dimensioned to receive the tie down rope 86. One possible disadvantage of this embodiment is that some of the water could also exit via the grommet aperture and the rope would also tend to get wet. However, the tie down rope would not damage the gutter, e.g., by pulling the rope over the outside of the gutter, which would tend to bend or break the gutter away from the roof.

Tie Down System

As shown in FIG. 4, rope 86 is threaded through each of the loops 85. Rope 86 forms a portion of tie down system 30. In particular, one such rope is provided for each pair of adjacent panels, and for each end of the roof to secure the edge of the panel thereto. For the panels at the ends of the roof, the loop strip (FIG. 6) or the integrally formed loops (FIG. 5) on the panel are threaded using a rope (only one panel is threaded with the loop/rope). Each rope preferably extends from one side of the building to the other side of the building.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of building 5 including a panel system as described above, but with more details of the tie down system and an alternative embodiment for securing each panel to the roof. Each tie down rope 42 may be further secured or fastened to the roof or panel system using one or more fastening members which may take the form of an eye bolt 149. As shown in FIG. 9, each rope is operatively coupled with a hook 150 provided to an end portion thereof that is secured (e.g., hooked) to an anchor or anchor bolt 155 provided on the footer 15. The tie down system may include a tie down member 160, e.g., a lever or a crank, that can be used to tighten each rope or all of the ropes using ratcheting action, like those used to secure a boat to a trailer. Tie down rope can also be a belt or used in conjunction with a belt 156, as shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross section of a portion of the roof of building. In this example, the panel 45 has an end 46 that is at least partially wrapped around and secured to the eave. Preferably the panel is positioned between the eave and any gutters secured thereto. In an alternative, the panel can wrap around the gutter as well. The panel can be secured using nails, glue, hooks, etc. Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, the building may include a gutter, in which case the panel 45 is between the gutter and the eave.

Alternate Tie Down Arrangement

FIG. 11 illustrates building 5 including a panel system with an alternative tie down arrangement. In this example, the tie down ropes 86 extend away from the building, at an angle that substantially matches the pitch of the roof (e.g., about 10°-60°). This helps when the footers are deeper than 4 feet.

The free end of each tie down rope can be secured to a concrete anchor 180. Each concrete anchor 180 is created by digging a hole and pouring concrete up to ground level, which is generally well known. The anchor may be formed elsewhere and simply inserted into the hole. Each concrete anchor 180 includes an anchor bolt 185 that can be coupled with a hook provided to each tie down rope or belt. FIG. 11 also shows that the tie down ropes can be secured to the footer, as in embodiments described earlier.

FIG. 12 illustrates building 5 including the tie down arrangement of FIG. 11. However, there are two main differences: 1) the front of the building includes a (supplemental) protective cover 190, e.g., a net, netting, etc. or the like for debris protection; and 2) the side 6 of building 5 includes one or more tie down ropes 87 which may also have one or more protective covers 191, e.g., nets, netting etc. or the like for debris protection. Each net may have a plurality of loops that are threaded with the tie down ropes. Alternatively, adjacent pairs of nets may be partially overlapping, one or more loops are threaded through the nets, and the tie down rope is threaded through the loops. In yet another embodiment, the tie down ropes are secured to the footer, and the nets are simply secured between the eave and the anchors.

Because the tie down ropes located at the front of building are laid on tie down ropes fastened at an angle matching the pitch of the roof, any debris will be swept from the ground along the protective net and up and over the roof, thereby avoiding damage to the otherwise exposed walls of the house where windows, doors etc. are generally located.

While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. 

1. A protective cover for a roof, comprising: at least first and second adjacent panels of protective web material, said first and second panels having a predetermined width that is the same for all panels; each said panel including a main body having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being provided in a plurality of rows and columns; the first panel and the second panel being adapted to define a combined panel width/length that is variable in dependence on overlap between adjacent sides of the first and second panels; whereby at least a portion of a first of said columns/rows of said apertures of the first panel is configured to align with at least a portion of either a first or a second column/row of said apertures of the second panel to thereby define first and second discrete values of the combined panel width/length.
 2. The protective cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said panel includes at least three columns and three rows of apertures.
 3. The protective cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said web material includes construction fabric.
 4. The protective cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a securing member to secure the first and second panels to one another.
 5. The protective cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein said securing member includes a loop that is threaded through aligned apertures of the first and/or second panels.
 6. The protective cover as claimed in claim 5, wherein one said loop is affixed adjacent each said aperture.
 7. The protective cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein said securing member includes a strip of material including a plurality of loops affixed thereto, wherein a distance between the loops matches a distance between the apertures, and the loop is threaded through aligned apertures of the first and second panels.
 8. The protective cover as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a tie down rope that is threaded through said securing member.
 9. The protective cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein each panel is structured to at least partially wrap around an eave of the roof.
 10. The protective cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein each aperture includes a slit.
 11. A roof/shingle protection system comprising: a panel system, said panel system including a plurality of panels each including a plurality of apertures that are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows, wherein adjacent ones of the panels are arranged in overlapping relation and a plurality of securing members are provided to affix said adjacent panels; a tie down system, said tie down system including a tie down rope for each set of aligned securing members, each said tie down rope being engagable with each said set of aligned securing members; and an anchor system operatively associated with the tie down system to secure each said tie down rope.
 12. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the panels comprises construction fabric.
 13. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the panels comprises netting.
 14. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said apertures include slits.
 15. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each said aperture includes a pair of side-by-side apertures.
 16. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the panels is uniform in width.
 17. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said panels are sized in a plurality of standard widths.
 18. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a rope guide having a first portion adapted to be secured to or adjacent the roof and a second portion, angled relative to the first end, and adapted to extend through an aperture in a gutter provided to the roof.
 19. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second portion includes an end having a threaded portion.
 20. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 19, further comprising two lock nuts provided to the threaded portion.
 21. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said angle is adjustable.
 22. The roofshingle protection system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first portion includes one or more apertures suitable to receive a nail or screw.
 23. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second portion is substantially cylindrical, said cylindrical portion having a length that is greater than a depth of the gutter.
 24. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a tie down member for securing each tie down rope to an anchor system.
 25. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said tie down member includes a ratchet action crank or lever.
 26. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said anchor system includes an anchor bolt and said tie down member includes a hook having a first portion operatively coupled with the tie down rope and a second portion that is selectively couplable to the anchor bolt.
 27. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 26, wherein said anchoring system comprises a footer to which the anchor bolt is coupled.
 28. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 26, wherein said anchoring system comprises a concrete anchor to which the anchor bolt is coupled.
 29. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each said tie down rope extends away from the roof at an angle that substantially matches the pitch of the roof.
 30. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a supplemental cover structured to extend from the eave of said roof to ground level.
 31. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 30, wherein the supplemental cover extends at an angle that substantially matches the pitch of the roof.
 32. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising one or more supplemental tie down ropes adapted to extend from the lateral side of the roof.
 33. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 32, further comprising a supplemental cover secured to the supplemental tie down ropes.
 34. The roof/shingle protection system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the supplemental cover includes netting. 35-47. (canceled)
 48. A protective cover for a roof, comprising: a panel of protective web material, said panel having a predetermined width; said panel including a main body having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being uniformly distributed in a plurality of rows and columns, wherein the web material comprises construction fabric. 